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A systematic review of the wellbeing benefits of being active through leisure and fitness centres

- Heckel, Leila, Eime, Rochelle, Karg, Adam, McDonald, Heath, Yeomans, Carleigh, O’Boyle, Ian

  • Authors: Heckel, Leila , Eime, Rochelle , Karg, Adam , McDonald, Heath , Yeomans, Carleigh , O’Boyle, Ian
  • Date: 2024
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Leisure Studies Vol. 43, no. 4 (2024), p. 545-561
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  • Description: The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the scientific evidence for psychosocial wellbeing benefits for individuals who are active through settings like leisure centres, gymnasiums or swimming pools. The level of physical activity required to achieve wellbeing outcomes through centre usage was a focal point. Nine electronic databases (AUSPORT, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL complete, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were systematically searched to identify relevant literature, including all articles published in English from January 2011 to December 2021. A total of 1667 manuscripts were identified of which 31 articles were included in this review. Mental health was the most investigated psychological outcome, followed by stress reduction and relaxation; bonding with family/friends was the most frequently studied social outcome. Regular physical activity at leisure/fitness centres may be associated with increased social and psychological wellbeing. Participation in group programmes seems to be superior to individual activities in achieving health benefits due to its social nature. Findings from this review confirm that outcomes of being active through leisure/fitness centres go beyond physical benefits. However, scientific evidence is limited and more longitudinal studies with larger samples, and a focus on the dose–response relationship issue are recommended. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

An exploration of management perspectives on wellbeing outcomes in the aquatic and recreation industry

- O'Boyle, Ian, Heckel, Leila, Karg, Adam, Eime, Rochelle, McDonald, Heath

  • Authors: O'Boyle, Ian , Heckel, Leila , Karg, Adam , Eime, Rochelle , McDonald, Heath
  • Date: 2024
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 27, no. 4 (2024), p. 560-578
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  • Description: Public aquatic and recreation centres are a cornerstone of leisure infrastructure within Australia. However, the extent to which these facilities set community well-being as a specific strategic goal or measurable outcome is unknown. This paper adopts a qualitative exploratory approach with the aim of understanding key issues and challenges within these centres relating to obtaining well-being outcomes. Findings highlight a unique and challenging industry due to competing pressures and the often difficult relationships between these facilities and local government. Critical factors impacting the focus on wellbeing include employee engagement, technology, the built environment, and diversity and inclusion. Further, wellbeing benefits vary for different user groups and commercial/financial pressures can impact wellbeing outcomes. In conclusion, this paper provides an important contribution to the leisure literature but also establishes a research agenda for further investigation that will both contribute to scholarly understanding and provide industry with new insights for evidence-based decision making. © 2022 Australia and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies.
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